Star-Ledger Devils beat writer Rich Chere and sports writer Colin Stephenson take on some tough questions at a time of uncertainty for the Devils, who are waiting for an update on Martin Brodeur's health:

1. The Sabres tested Kevin Weekes early (20 shots in the first period, mainly thanks to five power plays against) and he held up well. Is this what they had in mind when they picked up the veteran backup? How much honestly can be expected of him?

Chere: Give him half a chance and he can be very effective until Brodeur returns. The Devils didn't do that. This guy is a pro and he'll keep the Devils in a lot of games if necessary.

Stephenson: Weekes played fine -- in fact, he played better than fine. He played great. He stopped 19 of 20 shots in that first period and they weren't all long, unscreened lobs from the blue line -- some were dangerous testers right on the doorstep. But he's played now, 93 minutes. The idea with backup players is to be able to plug them in for short stretches and get quality play from them. If Weekes has to be the No. 1 guy, night after night, for an extended period, this team is in trouble. It's not that Weekes can't play, but the team is used to relying on Brodeur, who covers up a lot of what they do (remember that 48-shot debacle against Toronto last week? The Devils got a point in that game because of Brodeur). With Weekes, the Devils will not be able to steal many games. They'll get what they deserve most nights. So on nights when Weekes plays fine, and gives up three goals on 30 shots, they'll lose 3-2 instead of maybe tying 2-2 over 65 minutes and winning it in the shootout.

2. Speaking of power plays, the Devils had seven and failed to score. Just one of those games ... Ryan Miller ... or a big problem?

Chere: I think Miller is tough to beat right now. It always sounds like a poor excuse, but the Devils ran into a hot goalie. "Their goalie is playing well," Patrik Elias told me. "We had a lot of good chances. We just have to bring them. Settle it down. Take our time."

Stephenson: Ryan Miller played well, certainly, and when the Sabres needed him, he was there. However, put more of this one on the Devils. Outside of Zach Parise, they don't have a ton of reliable finishers, and unless they begin to get healthy soon, and get Brian Rolston back and playing well, this will be a problem all season long.

3. Speaking of goalies, what's the talk in the locker room of going without Brodeur?

Chere: It's definitely in everyone's mind. How can it not be a factor? Brodeur plays virtually every game and on many nights the Devils rely heavily on him. When that safety net disappears, can't blame them for wondering what will happen.

Stephenson: The Devils are all saying the things you would expect them to: We can win without him if we play well. None of them is going to speculate publicly how long Brodeur might be out, or suggest they can't win with Weekes in net. Weekes' career record is 98-159-33. He's played on some bad teams in his career, to be sure, but he's a long way under .500.

4. Tell us one more thing.

Chere: With Paul Martin sidelined with upper boddy soreness, coach Brent Sutter went with Johnny Oduya alongside Bryce Salvador. No problems there. "I think it was fine," Salvador said of the pairing. "He's an easy guy to play with. He plays smart. He's a solid defenseman. I just try to read off him."

Stephenson: Brent Sutter said he wasn't too pleased with some of the people who were filling in for some of his injured regulars against the Sabres. Defenseman Sheldon Brookbank, in for Andy Greene, had a couple minor penalties and played 9:13. Guess he was one of the people Sutter was talking about.